Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar claimed on Tuesday that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides exceeded the terms agreed upon during an informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary-General in New York. Tatar accused Christodoulides of attempting to package unrelated ideas together and urged him to adopt a positive approach towards opening the Pyla and Louroujina crossing points.
Speaking after inspecting the Arsos-Pyla road, Tatar said he was surprised that Christodoulides had gone beyond the previously agreed framework from the 15 October meeting. He described Christodoulides’ proposals as an attempt to prevent the opening of new crossing points, portraying them as lacking goodwill and unrelated to prior discussions.
Tatar also presented his own proposals to address congestion at the Agios Dometios checkpoint and highlighted that opening crossings at Pyla and Louroujina would greatly ease transportation. However, he criticised the Greek Cypriot request for transit corridors in Kokkina and Athienou, claiming they aim to secure tactical and strategic advantages, which he deemed unacceptable.
He urged Christodoulides to abandon “empty dreams,” including acquiring land, and to positively consider opening the Pyla and Louroujina crossing points, which Tatar argued would benefit both communities. He also mentioned that completing the Arsos-Pyla road would significantly improve daily life for Turkish Cypriots in Pyla and reduce traffic at the Pergamos checkpoint.
Tatar claimed progress on the Arsos-Pyla road had been delayed by conditions set by the UN, even as the Greek Cypriot side constructed roads and buildings in the buffer zone. He criticised the UN for turning a blind eye to these developments while obstructing the road completion, which he described as a humanitarian issue aimed at easing transportation and congestion.
He stated that 8.5 kilometres of the road had already been paved, with the remaining 1.3 kilometres stabilised, and called for its immediate completion. Tatar added that he would raise the matter in the next meeting and demand the UN fulfil its responsibilities.
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Source: CNA
